Can Saiga .223 fire 5.56?

[Squeaky 135]

Hi Everyone:

I'm probably really late asking this question, but can a Saiga .223 fire 5.56 ammo if you need to? I could swear I read somewhere a Russian Izhmash rep said it can. I don't know where. I got the impression he said stamping .223 on the barrel was a formality, that they really made it with 5.56 in mind (or something to that effect). 

I figured I'd check with you guys. I've always bought Federal .223 for my Saiga, but it'd be nice to know if it can fire 5.56 since that seems to be more available. 

Thanks. 

 

 

[Squeaky 135]

I just noticed the article above titled "RAAC response to shooting 5.56 in your .223 Saiga." 

I seem to recall seeing 5.56 mentioned in my manual too. It's been a long time. 

[jerry52 893]

Yes all day long! This is my 556 butter gun. I shoot hot loads and have added a heaver spring and it rocks.

Go for it if you have one. mine is also converted for p mags

Edited August 27, 2021 by jerry52

[Squeaky 135]

Thanks Jerry52! :-)

I'm just relieved knowing I can shoot an "alternative" round in my gun instead of worrying about sticking exclusively with .223 ammo. During this weird ammo famine, it seems like 5.56 is available more than .223. So ... the versatility is nice. I remember this is a reason why I bought my Saiga years ago. I also recall thinking Tula steel-cased ammo wouldn't hurt it. 

I confess I need to get a sling for my Saiga. Then I'm ready. Maybe a couple more mags too. 

BTW, I've stuck with plain 55gr. FMJs all this time. 

[jerry52 893]

All steal 556 ammo work great and 55gr is all I reload and shoot. Lets face it its a 200 yard gun.

Did you do the conversion?

[Squeaky 135]

Pardon my ignorance, but what conversion are you referring to? I suppose my answer is "no" since it is stock just like when I bought it. I'm not a gunsmith.

[jerry52 893]

Converting it from sporting rifle to a AK . Moving trigger , adding pistol grip and folding stock. thread barrel .

 

[Squeaky 135]

No. I think I'll leave it as it is. 

[jerry52 893]

It will shoot just fine. Take care Squeaky

[Squeaky 135]

Thanks Jerry52. I'm afraid of screwing up something if I go tinkering with it. I'm coming from the "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" side of things. 

[jerry52 893]

But when it is converted it becomes better. It Just does! but its a high quality soviet gun and will never fail and is now worth some money. 

[Squeaky 135]

Yeah ... I was thinking it might be a collector's item now ever since the import ban. My thinking (and I hope this is sort of right) was to get rifle with AK reliability & toughness, but with the better accuracy of a .223 or 5.56 cartridge. 

As far as I know the 7.62x39 round is less accurate. However, I still wouldn't want to get hit by one. 

Given my Saiga's possible collector's value, I'm glad I've only taken it to the range about three times and never rapid fired it like I'm a Rambo wannabe. I did, however, buy it knowing it'd be a good battle rifle if stuff ever does get really crazy. The AK is easier to field strip too.

I am just now wanting an AR-15 like a good American. I like PSA's A2 classic with a 20" barrel. BOY! Those sure have gotten expensive! 

 

[jerry52 893]

I bought mine stock for $239 plus transfer fees. Man have times changed. Never went the 7.62x39 route, but love to cut, form and load 300 Blackout. My other butter gun.